A fascinating and twisted journey into the life of Truman Capote has just finished its run in London’s Canal Café Theatre.
After a well-received run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, Garden Party – Truman Capote’s Black and White Celebration has entertained audiences during a limited season in London.
The show benefits from casting its two writers alongside two other performers. Having the show’s creators as part of the cast offers greater insight into the creative process behind it. For additional insights into the show, we recommend checking out this interview with Alessia Siniscalchi, the show’s director and one of its writers.
From the very beginning, the cast welcomes the incoming audience warmly, setting the general tone of the show, which might be unsettling for some but a joy for others, with an intimate atmosphere that would not be out of place in the Kit Kat Club of Cabaret. The cast interacts with the audience before and during the performance, while also inviting everyone to wear the props available on the tables.
The two male characters of the show drive the story forward, with very strong writing and compelling acting. In particular, Paul Spera commands the stage with an unsettling energy that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. Lucy Planet shines with her fantastic voice during the musical numbers, showcasing a powerful vocal talent. The one-man band was also a remarkable feature of the performance that helped construct the show’s cabaret-like rhythm.
A key aspect for this show is that the experience of attending is impacted significantly by the level of engagement from the audience. On the evening I attended the show, the audience was mostly silent throughout the performance, although a couple of attendees were thoroughly enjoying the show. This demonstrates that the show can work well provided that the right audience is in attendance.
An aspect that might need some refining if the production is to return in the future is the storytelling of the show. It is sometimes unclear what the story is trying to convey. The visuals and documents shared with the audience do not always help in delivering the message of the show. Likewise, the ending felt somewhat abrupt narratively, leaving some questions hanging. However, this may be on purpose as the show definitely sparks curiosity about the life of Truman Capote.
Gonzalo
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